I've seen the signpost advertising 'The Chained Oak' guest house, or Inn, or pub, or whatever it is, about halfway up the hill from Alton village, I'm guessing that the actual tree is somewhere near there too, right?

I've been meaning to go and have a nose at it for years but never got round to it, usually in too much of a rush to get into the park in the morning and usually too knackered to be arsed in the evening!

It's difficult to make out on the photos, has it still got chains hanging off it?

I've seen it a few times, but the most memorable time was Valentine's Day, 2004. I was with my boyfriend, (we were planning to go to a Winter Weekend afternoon in Forbidden Valley on the Sunday) but we visited Rich (Wrexham Fan) and some other ATAers including Nexus and Snake I think (long time ago now, guys ), who were staying at the Hotel.

Saw the chained oak in the dark, touched it and everything (oooh get us), then proceeded to have a car accident on the road near the Hotel, and as Craig and I walked back there to get a taxi back to the Uttoxeter Travel Inn where we were staying, we found the the Hotel evacuated after a fire scare, with lots of people standing in the rain wearing the silver blankets.

And to this day, I still blame it on that tree.

I love it though. It's got this eerie charm, and whenever we arrive at AT a little earlier than is necessary, we always park up by the gate near Oblivion and have a little walk down there.

I've seen it a few times, but the most memorable time was Valentine's Day, 2003. I was with my boyfriend, (we were planning to go to a Winter Weekend afternoon in Forbidden Valley on the Sunday) but we visited Rich (Wrexham Fan) and some other ATAers including Nexus and Snake I think (long time ago now, guys ), who were staying at the Hotel..... then proceeded to have a car accident on the road near the Hotel

Cripes, I have only just clicked that was you and Craig on that night, will never forget that happening.

Yeah, that accident was horrid - so lucky nobody was hurt! I remember just getting out the car when it came to a stand-still and bursting into tears - was so shocked. And poor Rich - he was devastated!

So, beware! Although being by the tree in the dark was quite an awesome experience! Really brings it all to life somehow!

Tom & Ste: I can't really remember who was there... but if pressed, I would probably have said that the "two girls" I remember being in the car were Kaycee and Emmy.

Edited to add: And even that might not be right. I know I shared a hotel room with Karl (my ex-fiancé), Dan, Paul, and of course Euan. And someone... can't remember who... came running back to tell us there had been a crash as the others went off to get food. And then we were evacuated because the fire alarm went off. Quite eventful, as evenings go.

Haha seems Rich wasn't too good with the introductions - I can't really remember who was there. Although I don't think Emmy was in the car when it crashed. I'm pretty sure it was me, Craig, Tom, Rich and Snake (I'm sorry, I can't quite recall your real name...) actually in the car.

Haha seems Rich wasn't too good with the introductions - I can't really remember who was there. Although I don't think Emmy was in the car when it crashed. I'm pretty sure it was me, Craig, Tom, Rich and Snake (I'm sorry, I can't quite recall your real name...) actually in the car.

Yes, it was funny how a pothole caused all the spinning..

Ok, so I was sat next to you and i don't get a mention at all. Well thats just great.